Complying with a court order, the EPA has published in the Federal Register a decision to not develop federal regulations to control the runoff of stormwater from forest roads. According to the Agency, there are a wide range of state regulatory programs, federal assistance programs, and best management practice (BMP) certification organizations that collectively have made significant strides in preventing surface water pollution from forest roads. Rather than disrupt these programs with a new set of one-size-fits-all federal rules, the Agency believes its role should be to support the work that is ongoing.
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The Agency does mention that the decision applies “at this time,” which means the decision can be revoked should research and data indicate that the existing rules/programs are not working as well or have as much promise as the Agency believes.